Water Baptism is an Outward Symbol of an Inner Change
- Baptist Daily Devotional
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Rev. Tse Amable | January 24 2026 | Acts 22:1-21
KEY VERSE: “And now what are you waiting for? GET UP, BE BAPTIZED and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16, NIV)
MESSAGE:
Many believers hold confused ideas about water baptism, and some teachings have added to that confusion. One common misunderstanding comes from Paul’s words in today’s key verse. Some conclude that water baptism itself washes away sins. On the day of Pentecost, Apostle Peter in his message told the crowd: ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins’ (Acts 2:38 NIV). Peter’s call begins with repentance, and baptism is the obedient response of those who repent and believe in Jesus. Some have misused this verse to teach that sins are forgiven through water baptism. Water baptism does not wash away sins, nor are sins forgiven through water baptism. Just as a wedding ring points to a marriage, water baptism points to the inner change God has already worked through the gospel and repentance. When John the Baptist was doing his ministry, preparing the way for Christ, the scriptures say he preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3 NIV). That is why he demanded that those who went to him for baptism should “produce fruit in keeping with repentance”(Luke 3:8 NIV).
Water baptism matters for three reasons. First, it is obedience to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19–20. Second, it is a public testimony that a believer has turned from sin and now belongs to Christ. Third, it expresses identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, as taught in Romans 6:3–5. Additionally, when your baptism takes place within a Ghana Baptist Convention church, it often becomes part of your public identification with that congregation and the Baptist tradition.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
If you have heard confusing teaching about baptism, return to the gospel. Christ cleanses sin through His blood. When you repent and call on Him in faith, God forgives and cleanses.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank you that through water baptism, I have united myself with Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. Help me to live right and walk in the newness of life so that the testimony of the changed life that union has produced can be evident to all. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: CALLING The Greek word used for calling in Acts 22:16, Epikaleō, means to call upon, invoke, appeal to, or request help from the one being addressed.
In Scripture, calling on the Lord is a response of faith. It is the language of surrender and trust. Baptism becomes meaningful because it accompanies repentance and faith that looks to Jesus for cleansing. The water does not carry saving power. Christ does. When Paul “calls on His name,” he is turning to Jesus as the One who forgives, cleanses, and receives the sinner who repents.
Reflect on this:
What is your heart doing when you obey? Do you treat spiritual steps as routine, or do you approach them as a response to Christ Himself? Today, let your obedience carry prayer. Call on His name with a sincere heart. Trust Him to cleanse you, strengthen you, and keep you walking in the new life He has given.
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